Elmon N. Myers

Elmon Nicholas Myers was born in Bullitt County, Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday, March 12, 1914. His parents, Louis G. Myers and Leora Brown Myers, who preceded him in death, worked and toiled to raise the 17 children that were born to them. To provide a better life for their family, they migrated to Indianapolis in 1900. The family joined Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church, then located, on Martin Luther King St., on the west side of Indianapolis.

Transportation was difficult for the family with a horse and wagon. That’s when his father, and others founded and became charter members of Trinity C.M.E. located at the corner of 22nd and Martindale, (now Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave.) Elmon accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior at the age of 10 years old, and has been a member in good standing for 93 years. As a child at Trinity, he helped bring in wood and coal to heat the church for Sunday services.

Elmon attended Schools #37, #56, #26, and in 1936 graduated from Crispus Attucks High School. Math and Shop (woodworking) were classes he excelled in. He loved working with wood and being involved with building projects. After graduating, he went into the construction business with his father, driving a team of horses, digging ditches, grading yards, and assisted in building the family house, located at 2241 Sheldon St. In June 1938, he married Lois Knox, who lived at 2241 Martindale, (now Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave.). To this union three children were born. Their marriage lasted nearly 70 years.

Elmon absolutely loved his church and the many friends he come to embraced and know through the years. Much later at Trinity, he served on the Steward and Trustee Boards and was the church Treasurer. He was chairperson of the building committee during the 2nd and 3rd phases of the Trinity structure. He has rarely missed a Sunday church service, beginning in 1925, when the first pastor was Rev. G.L. Grant. Health issues has prevented him from attending services in the last few years, but he would always talk of going to church.

During his earlier years, Elmon was the owner and operator of the Standard Oil Filling Gas Station, at the corner of 25th and Martindale, (Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave.) which made him an entrepreneur back in 1958. His nephew, Malcom Knox mentioned that he never worked for anyone, except himself.

Elmon continued to pursue building houses. To his accomplishments, he helped establish the sub-division of Cold Springs Heights in New Wynndale, where he subcontracted and built 28 houses, including his own. His late nephew, Clarence Richard Knox would often refer to him as the “Mayor of Wynndale.” Elmon had also been described and called, an icon, a rock, a distinguished gentleman, doctor, a Godly man, and even “Superman.” He had been a man of stamina, courage, and resilience.

Some of his secrets to longevity were to stay in close contact with his faith, keep a positive outlook on life, and to be able to make adjustments to life situations.

He loved traveling, being with family, listening to music, playing the piano, eating 3 good meals a day, including oatmeal every morning and ice cream for dessert. His very special treats were daughter-in-law, Charlotte’s candid yams, his niece, Pat Payne’s homemade apple pies, Dorothy Watson’s apple dumpling dessert, Minta Knox’s peanut butter cookies, and an occasional cake sent to him by Cornell Rutley. His daughter-in-law Ruth always made him feel special with her very beautiful cards and gifts. Niece Rita Knox Sharp, brought lots of joy to him with her warm visits.

Elmon Myers, as a centenarian, lived under 19 United States Presidents, from Woodrow Wilson to Barack Obama, and now. He had never missed voting from the time he was eligible to vote. He had lived in an era when a loaf of bread was 12 cents, a gallon of milk was 6 cents, and gas was 12 cents a gallon.

In 2015, it was discovered that Elmon was one of the oldest living graduates of Crispus Attucks High School. As a result, he was interviewed and featured in a documentary film entitled Attucks: “The School that Opened a City,” which was part of Indiana’s bicentennial celebration, and was first aired August 2016, and is still being presented today. This project was written and produced by his friend, filmmaker Ted Green of WFYI television. In the film Elmon spoke on his family, racism, hard times, and the good fortune of attending Attucks, and how the teachers inspired him.

His faith and love in Jesus Christ was his source of strength throughout his life. He had a wonderful life and he would want to thank each of you who helped make it so. Elmon would also want to thank the wonderful persons at Robin Run Healthcare for loving and taking such good care of him.

On Tuesday, March 3rd, at the age of 105 years, 11 months, and 8 days, the Lord called Elmon to his heavenly home, where he will live forever. Preceding him in death were his wife, Lois Knox Myers, son, Donald Myers, son-law, James F. Nelson Sr., his parents, and the 9 siblings who lived to be adults. They were, brothers, Rufus (Susie) Myers, Albert (Janie) Myers, Alphonso (Iona) Myers, Lymon (Aliade) Myers, Woodrow (Charlotte) Myers, Cornelius (LaVerta) Myers, and Joseph Myers; sisters, Helen (Frank) Stewart, and Ethel (Corneilus) Dunville; and grandchildren, James Nelson Jr., Louis Myers Ill, and Mark Nelson.

Elmon leaves to cherish his precious memories are his children, Elinor Nelson, Louis G. (Charlotte) Myers, daughter-in-law, Ruth Myers, 8 grandchildren, 16, great grandchildren, 4 great, great grandchildren, sister-in-laws, Minta Knox, Nellie Myers, Pat Myers, Ruth Knox, nieces, nephews, many other relatives, friends, and his beloved Trinity family.

For the living, it is believed that our family patriarch Elmon Myers, would leave as his legacy: Get and stay in touch with the Lord and let Him lead you in your life. Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Elmon Nicholas Myers. Our hearts overflow with joy for a life well lived. To God be the glory for the things He has done.

Elmon N. Myers, age 105, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Tuesday March 3, 2020. Elmon was born March 12, 1914.

Funeral Service for Elmon will be held, 12:00 pm, Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Trinity CME Church, 2253 Dr. Andrew J. Brown, Indianapolis, Indiana, with visitation from 10:00 am until time of service at 12:00 pm, all taken place at the church.

Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 38th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.williamsandbluitt.com for the Myers family.